The Billy Wilder papers span the years 1935-1976 (bulk 1943-1961) and encompass 3 linear feet. The
collection contains production material and/or correspondence for nine films directed by Wilder and
released between 1944 and 1960. The films are THE APARTMENT (1960), THE BIG CARNIVAL (1951), DOUBLE
INDEMNITY (1944), A FOREIGN AFFAIR (1948), THE FORTUNE COOKIE (1966), THE LOST WEEKEND (1945), THE SEVEN
YEAR ITCH (1955), SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959), and THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS (1957). The bulk of the material
is scripts, clippings, and correspondence. Some correspondence is addressed to Charles Brackett.

Background

Billy Wilder was an Austrian-born director, screenwriter, and producer most active in film from the
1930s through 1970s. After beginning his film career in Germany, he came to the U.S. in 1934. From 1938
to 1950, he collaborated with screenwriter and producer Charles Brackett. Four of Wilder? six Academy
Awards are for writing and directing THE LOST WEEKEND (1945) and THE APARTMENT (1960), and he was the
recipient of the 1987 Irving G. Thalberg memorial award.

Extent

3 linear feet of papers.

Restrictions

Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are
responsible for obtaining all necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies
or individuals before quoting from or publishing materials obtained from the library.